A Short History of General J. E. Johnston, from the Histories of Generals series (N114) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco 1888

This colorful lithograph, part of the “Histories of Generals” series, was issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco in 1888. The card features a portrait of Confederate General Joseph Eggleston Johnston, known for his leadership in the American Civil War, along with a depiction of soldiers in a rowboat. The card exemplifies the use of trade cards as a form of advertising in the late 19th century, combining historical figures with product branding for a memorable marketing campaign. The card, now held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a valuable artifact illustrating both the history of tobacco advertising and the American Civil War.